Staying in a hotel can sometimes feel routine—but not when the place itself tells a story. At Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Singapore’s Peranakan neighbourhood, every detail reflects the rich tapestry of Peranakan culture and heritage. From vibrant tiles and intricate patterns to the warm sense of community, the experience feels less like a stay and more like stepping into living history.
This thoughtfully designed heritage hotel in Singapore masterfully intertwines modern luxury with the vibrant essence of Katong’s Peranakan culture. From its colorful interiors to its rich storytelling, every detail created an experience that felt like stepping directly into her cherished childhood memories.
TIME CAPSULE OF PERANKAN CULTURE
Even before we arrived, Mom was reminiscing as we passed Katong’s colourful shophouses “This was where we used to come on weekends!”
It was a sweet prelude, but nothing compared to the sheer delight that lit up her face the moment we stepped into the hotel lobby.
Each Hotel Indigo is designed to reflect its neighbourhood. And that truly is the case in Katong, as it seems like they’ve bottled the very essence of my mother’s childhood. The hotel is like a modern-day Peranakan museum, seamlessly blending Singapore’s rich heritage with contemporary design. It’s a place where old memories come alive and new ones are beautifully made.
Mom’s eyes, wide with wonder, immediately darted to that magnificent circular mural of floral tiles. I could almost hear her silent appreciation for its intricate beauty, a direct echo of the classic Peranakan ceramics she loves.
Then, as we moved towards the lifts, her gaze followed the stack of blue-and-white porcelain jars and luminous lamps. I watched as her lips curved into a soft smile, as if she found a playful joy in how a simple corridor had been transformed into something so enchanting.
OUR PERANAKAN SANCTUARY IN KATONG
Our Peranakan Heritage Room delivered a masterclass in cultural storytelling. Mom loved how the room’s layout mirrored traditional shophouse architecture. This elongated layout is a nod to the past — a throwback to how shophouses were built with narrow frontages to avoid colonial-era taxes.
Our 30 sq m space truly felt like a time capsule, enhanced by carefully chosen old-school fixtures and traditional items. They subtly but powerfully immerse guests in the rich Peranakan culture of Singapore.
The ingenious elongated layout—a clever nod to how shophouses were built narrow to avoid colonial-era taxes. This made our 30 sq m room feel like a time capsule enhanced by the old-school fixtures and traditional items subtly incorporated to enhance the Peranakan theme.
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PERANAKAN DESIGN ELEMENTS
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong designs its rooms to emulate the deep, linear layout of a traditional shophouse. Upon entering, guests first see the toilet area, then step into a cozy living space before reaching the main bedroom. The bathroom sits at the very back, completing the shophouse-inspired flow.
Additionally, each room features a mural by local artist Don Low. His black-and-white artwork vividly captures Singaporean life.
Moreover, vibrant cushions in red, pink, and batik patterns decorate the beds. Similarly, the carved headboard enhances the Peranakan-inspired design.
The seating areas merge comfort and design with a clever twist. Instead of a standard coffee table, designers opted to use a carrom board as the centerpiece—playful yet functional.
Even the bathroom shows meticulous detail. The vanity sits atop a repurposed Singer sewing machine base, mixing nostalgia with function. Even the waste bin—a converted spittoon—adds a whimsical, heritage-inspired touch.
Decorative pieces like the once-ubiquitous red clogs also make an appearance, adding a touch of nostalgic charm.
The room’s design seamlessly blends artistic flair with cultural heritage, creating a vibrant, comfortable, and uniquely Singaporean experience for guests
SOPHISTICATED PERANAKAN FLAVOURS
For dinner, Baba Chews masterfully navigates ‘both ways’ with its dinner menu. For example, their Barramundi with Laksa Sauce combines Mediterranean flavours with Singaporean noodles and spices. We also tried the Octopus Squid Ink Pasta. This has a medley of flavours when served with yogurt mint sauce.
The absolute standout for us was the Kueh Pie Tee. These delicate, crispy “top hats”—filled with cocktail prawn, kombu slaw, and topped with tobiko—delivered an umami burst of flavour with every bite.
We also tried the restaurant’s signature dish—the Beef Cheek Rendang served with blue pea rice. The tender beef was not too spicy, reflecting an effort to appeal to an international palate.
The Mango Sago dessert served with a scoop of Mango sorbet and topped with fresh pomelo provided a refreshing, tropical finish to our meal.
Rooftop views of Katong and beyond
For those seeking an elevated dining and cocktail experience, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong offers Rooftop 88. Located on the 16th floor of the hotel, the rooftop bar offers stunning views of the culturally rich Katong district. Drinks are creatively designed to represent neighbourhood flavours with names like “Nyonya Margarita” and “Pink Coco Loco”, a coconut rum-based cocktail.
With food coming from the Baba Chews’ kitchen, Rooftop 88 features both bar bites and mains from the all-day restaurant, including their signature 18-hour braised Beef Cheek Rendang and their yummy Rojak Chicken Bites, Crispy Chicken Cubes coated in Tangy Rojak Sauce.
PERANAKAN MUSEUM IN KATONG
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is making it incredibly easy to dive deeper into Singapore’s vibrant Peranakan culture.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is making it incredibly easy to dive deep into Singapore’s vibrant Peranakan culture with a thoughtfully curated package designed for two. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an invitation to experience living history.
The ‘Peranakan Escape’ room package includes daily breakfast for two at Baba Chews, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant. Named after Chew Joo Chiat, the visionary Chinese immigrant who transformed the seaside town in the East of Singapore into an area popular with affluent families in the 1920s, Baba Chews offers a delightful blend of local and international flavours, setting the perfect tone for your heritage exploration.
The true highlight, however, unfolds at the Peranakan Mansion, where an exclusive experience awaits. During our private guided tour of Peranakan Mansion, we learnt about the rich traditions of the Babas and Nonyas. There were so many symbolic rituals that reflected how many cultures had an influence. Each room, artifact, and story offered a window into the vibrant, multicultural heritage of the Peranakans.
IMMERSIVE EXPLORATION OF PERANAKAN CULTURE
Begin your journey with a private guided tour as you and your companion delve into the vibrant world of Peranakan culture. Along the way, uncover fascinating living traditions, visual storytelling, and intricate artefacts that bring this unique heritage to life. This intimate, personalized experience sets the stage for a deeper cultural appreciation.
Next, step into the elegance of tradition with a Nyonya kebaya rental. Dress in exquisite Peranakan attire and enjoy exclusive access to both indoor and outdoor spaces for a private photoshoot. This curated photography session allows you to capture stunning moments in the mansion’s beautifully preserved surroundings—perfect for keepsakes or social sharing.
Finally, complete your cultural journey with a traditional kueh and tea set for two. Served in the charming ambiance of the heritage mansion, this delightful pairing offers a sweet and authentic taste of Peranakan hospitality—an ideal way to relax and reflect on your immersive experience.
To appeal to Singaporeans and local residents considering a staycation, the package also includes one complimentary carpark coupon.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
The highlight of our visit to the Peranakan Mansion by Straits Enclave was undoubtedly the opportunity to don the traditional Nyonya kebaya for a photoshoot. It was a truly transformative moment for both my mom and me as I felt myself embody the elegance and grace of the matriarchs who came before.
I was imbued with a quiet sense of pride in the beauty of the culture and a deep satisfaction in capturing the special moment on camera.
Ultimately, the entire experience felt like a tender rediscovery of my own cultural identity. It wrapped me in warmth, memory, and a renewed appreciation for family. Therefore, for anyone looking to connect more deeply with Singapore’s Peranakan soul, I wholeheartedly recommend this experience.
